The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-02-25
This Weeks Holiday.

Next to the the Fourth of July-our
na.ion's natal day-the 22nd OF February
the birthday Of our first President
should be commemorative of patriotic
sentiments. Either Of these holidays
recalls to the serious-minded historical
memories of the early struggles expert
enced in this country for liberty and the
establishment of free republic.
The day upon which we celebrate the
birth of Washington has a greater sig
niicance than a mere ordinary holiday
set apart for the memorializing of an
important event. We celebrate this day
because the life of the man is inseparably
interviewer with the armed struggle
because he was the prime figure in the
confederation Of States from which
evolved perpetual union aud, in short,
because he was first In war, first in
countrymen." The days great signif-
cance that distinguishes it from most
other holidays is that it presents an un-
blemished character for our study and
imitation. 1t carries US back to life
which of itself Is chapter-a whole
periOd-in the most important epoch Of
our history. A wsveriDg OF hope, a
falteTing Of courage, a recreant moment
in those gloomy days of our country's
inception, and all would have been for
ever lost. 1t was Washington, the
leader Of leaders. the perfect embodiment
OF truth, courage, hope and patriotism,
who inspired the volunteer legions Of
the new world with that determination
which knows no defeat, and caused to
be inscribed on our banners, in imper-
ishsble letters, victory, liberty and
union.
The patriotic self-sacrifice Of our FORE
fathers, the happy termination of the
struggle the subsequent recognition of
our nationality and freedom, even by
the mother country, are matters of his
tory full Of good cheer and gratitude to
every American citizen but the life and
character OF Washington does more it
furnishes us with an everything example
of the pure patriot, the brave soldier,
the unselfish and uDsullled officer, the
faithful President and the estimable
private citizen all il one.
At no time within the history Of our
country, has there been more necessity
for the American citizen both in his
private aud public capacity, to study
and initiate the characteristics OF Wash
ington. The great need of the day is
men Of veracity, unimpe achable charac-
ter, and who are faithful in the per-
formRnce of duty. Men who stand above
reproach, who are honest in their deal
ings with their felIow-men, and who
love right FOR its own sake are the men
needed not only at the head Of the Gov
eminent but in every walk of life, pub
lie or private.
1t is the lustre of Washington's noble
manhood more than any other trait that
penetrates the dark visions of the past
and emblazons his name 30 prominently
on the country's escutcheon. Well may
we emulate his example and venerate
his name, and while contemplating his
virtues it is we'll not to lose sight of the
fact, which is as true to-day as in the
days Of our bero, that truth will prevail,
that honesty pays, that faithfulness will
be rewarded, and that however discour-
aging the present and the future may
look the earnest battler for the right
must and will succeed in the end.